It wasn’t until adulthood that I decided to experiment with hair coloring, but once I started, I realized how much I loved being able to change up my look. I first dyed my curls back in the summer of 2021, debuting a golden brown shade with blonde highlights that glistened in the sunlight. Then, in spring 2022, I decided it was time for a change and went for a vivid, fire hydrant red hue. After that color slowly faded into a coppery brown shade (think: cowgirl copper), I decided to go for a darker copper with highlights, which I have been rocking since last winter. All in all, it’s safe to say that my hair has been through it.
While I love my faded coppery color, my fine 4C curls have definitely taken a hit. My once-healthy curls are now dry, brittle, and prone to breakage as a result of damage from all of the bleaching and color treatments over the years. My current curly haircare routine is just fine for my regular wash-and-go style, but there’s definitely room for improvement. So, when the L’Oréal team asked me to test Redken’s Acidic Bonding Curls system (courtesy of the brand), of course I said yes.
The line is designed to address my specific hair concerns, namely damage and breakage caused by over-processing. After the very first use, I noticed better curl definition and frizz control—and things only got better from there. Read on for my full Redken review to learn how exactly the haircare collection helped me achieve stronger, healthy-looking strands.
Who Can Benefit From Using the Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Collection?
Anyone with damaged wavy to curly hair may see visible improvements to their mane with consistent use of Redken’s Acidic Bonding Curls line. The three-part system—a follow-up to the best-selling Redken Acidic Bonding collection—was designed to suit all curl patterns from 2A to 4C. The silicone-free bonding range, which includes a shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment, helps restore the pattern of damaged curls, repair strength, improve elasticity, and rebuild damaged hair bonds.
Hair bonds are essential to keeping the natural shape and structure of your strands, yet they can be broken down by chemicals like coloring, lightening services, relaxers, and perms. According to Redken artist and colorist Denise Welsh, there are a few key signs your hair bonds may be in need of some TLC, such as roughness, dullness, dryness, brittleness, split ends, and breakage. And, unfortunately for me, curly hair is especially vulnerable to these concerns—even more so if you bleach or color it.
How Does Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Work?
Redken’s Acidic Bonding Curls system with Curl-Bond Technology is formulated with a blend of amino acids, natural oils, citric acid, and the brand’s patented Bonding Care Complex. The silicone-free formulas penetrate deep into the hair shaft to help rebuild damaged and broken hair bonds, restoring hair’s strength, structure, and elasticity. It also helps hydrate and define curls while fighting frizz for up to 96 hours.* For the best results, you’ll want to use the entire lineup together. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about the products in the collection.
*System of acidic bonding curls shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in vs. non-conditioning shampoo.
Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Shampoo
Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Shampoo boasts a potent blend of citric acid, glycine, avocado oil, shea butter, and vitamin B5. The gentle formula helps remove buildup while leaving the scalp and strands feeling hydrated and balanced.
Unlike other shampoos I’ve used, this one felt like it was adding moisture back into my dry strands as I washed my hair—my strands felt clean, but not stripped or dry. In addition, the citrusy, orange creamsicle scent made for a spa-like experience in my warm shower.
Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Conditioner
After shampooing, you’ll want to follow up with the Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Conditioner. It features the same Curl Bond Technology as the shampoo and contains nourishing ingredients, including shea butter and coconut oil. My first impression of the conditioner was that it reminded me a bit of a deep conditioning mask. However, after smoothing the buttery formula onto my mane, I was pleased to find that it felt lightweight on my curls and provided much-needed moisture without weighing my hair down.
Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Leave-In Treatment
The third and final step in the range is the Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Leave-In Treatment. This leave-in treatment provides additional hydration and nourishment, aids in detangling, and helps protect hair from temperatures up to 450oF. The creamy texture of the Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Leave-In Treatment felt good in my hands, and even better through my damp strands after conditioning.
My Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Collection Review
Having never tried Redken products before, I didn’t know what to expect, but let’s just say my curls were in for a real treat. I used the system twice to do my journalistic duty before reporting back with my results.
After using the line for the first time, I noticed my hair was easier to manage when detangling with less fallout and breakage. My curls also appeared less frizzy and more defined than they usually do. The second use only amplified these results—my hair looked and felt healthier than it has since I started coloring it. It’s almost as if my 4C curls have reverted back to their natural texture pre-processing.
While I know I’ll never be able to completely rebuild those broken-down hair bonds, it’s nice to know there’s a line out there that can really bring life back to my locks.
I was surprised by how quickly the Acidic Bonding Curls line worked, and also how long the effects lasted. My curls still felt manageable and conditioned on day three! All in all, I’m thoroughly impressed with my results thus far and feel more confident thanks to my new and improved curly routine. I can’t wait to see the long-term effects the bond repair formula has on my curls—and look forward to embracing a new hue in the future without worrying about excessive damage.
Next Up: Worth The Hype? Redken’s Best-Selling Bonding System Kicked My Damaged Hair Woes to the Curb
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